Tuesday 14th May. Social Studies.docx

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Social Studies Our Economic Resources and Wealth Natural Resources: Gifts of nature that can be used to produce goods and services. Examples: trees, wood, sunshine, soil, water, plants, metals, animals, oil, coal Renewable vs Non-Renewable Resources Non-Renewable Resources: Res...

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Social Studies Our Economic Resources and Wealth Natural Resources: Gifts of nature that can be used to produce goods and services. Examples: trees, wood, sunshine, soil, water, plants, metals, animals, oil, coal Renewable vs Non-Renewable Resources Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that cannot be replaced by natural growth or human actions. Once they are used up, they are gone. Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally over time. Distinguishing between the difference between non-renewable and renewable resources Renewable resources can be replenished in a person's lifespan. Examples Sunlight Air Water Soil Plants Geothermal Wind Biomass Non- renewable resources- They cannot be replenished in a person's lifespan. These types of resources take hundreds of years to before it can be used again. Examples Oil Coal Natural gas Advantages of renewable resources These resources are environmentally friendly. They are cleaner and safer for the environment. Improves public health. Easily replenished. Provides more jobs and economic benefits. Disadvantages of renewable resources Higher upfront cost Intermittency - Renewable resources may not be available all year round. They may be less reliable than other sources of energy, for example, the sun doesn't shine all night and drought may occur for periods thus, unpredictable weather conditions can affect the use of technologies associated with these resources. Advantages of Non-renewable resources They are inexpensive They create jobs They provide huge profits for individuals and countries There is a high demand for these resources Disadvantages of Non-renewable resources There is a limited supply They take millions of years to replenish themselves. Cause pollution and global warming which can harm human and animal health and increase natural disasters such as hurricanes. They produce greenhouse gases. They are responsible for acid rain. How do natural resources generate wealth? They provide jobs. They provide raw materials for the development of a country. The use of renewable resources for energy is cost-efficient and promotes a healthy environment. The use of renewable resources for energy is cost-efficient over time for people as well as the government. Natural resources promote trading since resources are unequally distributed around the world. Why should we protect and conserve our natural resources? For the preservation of human and animal life. For the preservation of biodiversity. To ensure that future generations will be able to access these resources. There is a limited supply of non renewable natural resources.